a reply

[ldubois7]

I received this from Natures Path (where I have purchased cereal).

Dear Linda,


Thank you for your comments on Nature's Path Organic products. We take each comment seriously and we endeavor to always provide a good quality product. Nature’s Path is committed to producing quality organic foods, using the best ingredients available, while adhering to strict quality control procedures.


Nature’s Path Granola and Granola Bars are not gluten free due to the oats. Nature's Path Foods has many products that are made without wheat, rye, barley, spelt or oats. There is some discussion regarding the inclusion of oats. It seems that the protein in oats does not do damage, but the concern is the possibility of cross contamination from wheat, rye or barley in the field or during the milling process. Therefore, at this time in North America most oats are not acceptable in a gluten free diet and organic gluten free oats are not available in the quantities required for our products. Nature's Path Rice Puffs, Nature's Path Millet Puffs, Nature's Path Corn Puffs and Nature's Path Kamut Puffs® - are NOT gluten free due to the chance of cross contamination in the separate factory where they are produced.

We do make other cereals that contain gluten. However, our strict production schedules and quality assurance methods ensure that the least sensitive foods are produced first. The products that contain gluten, soy and finally nuts are made and then the entire line is cleaned and the process re-starts. The equipment and cereal is periodically inspected & tested for gluten contamination. To ensure the safety or our gluten free products, ingredients used in gluten free products are stored in a segregated area of the facility. Before each product is made, we do a full allergen clean-up on the production lines. We use various cleaning methods such as rinsing, hot scrubber machines, vacuums and organic compliant cleaning solution followed by protein tests on the equipment. Cleaning is supervised and checked off by Q.A. To further ensure that our equipments is free of gluten, a specified portion — at the beginning of the run — is not utilized in gluten-free cereals. A sample of the final gluten free product is tested specifically for gluten to 10ppm as per regulatory requirements for gluten free products in North America. Our gluten free products are certified through the Gluten Free Certified Organization (GFCO). Their logo appears on the packaging of our gluten free products. Please visit www.gfco.org to view their website.

We are confident that our gluten free products are acceptable for those following a gluten free diet. All Nature’s Path products that do not contain dairy – as listed on the ingredient label are theoretically casein free.

Please visit Gluten Free Diet US or Gluten Free Diet Canada for our complete list of gluten free products.

WHILE WE TAKE EVERY MEASURE TO ENHANCE THE HEALTH OF CONSUMERS, WE RECOMMEND YOU ERR ON THE SIDE OF HEALTH & SAFETY. Highly gluten sensitive individuals should consult their healthcare provider to determine if Nature’s Path gluten-free foods meet their particular dietary needs.


Your email tells us that you are passionate about your health and wellness. If you would like to get more involved and share your opinion with us, please accept our invitation to join our research panel, The Cereal Bowl .


Please visit Nature's Path for more information on our company and our products.

Thank you for being a valued Nature's Path customer.


Kind regards,

Chloe
Consumer Services
Nature's Path Foods
9100 Van Horne Way
Richmond BC V6X 1W3
or 2220 Nature's Path Way
Blaine WA 98230
Nature's Path